La Derecha Diario Marcelo Díaz, after the scandal with Independiente: 'I've never experienced anything so complex'
The key player of U de Chile spoke after the suspension against Independiente, criticized what happened at the Libertadores de América, and stated that they are waiting for CONMEBOL's decision
Days after the scandal in Avellaneda that led to the cancellation of the match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile for the Copa Sudamericana, Marcelo "Chelo" Díaz, one of the leaders of the Chilean squad and with a past at Racing, broke his silence in a press conference.
Díaz was forceful in describing the situation: "In my twenty-year career, I've never experienced anything so complex. What happened in Argentina is clearly something abnormal, atypical, and we shouldn't normalize it. What happened is regrettable," he stated.
The midfielder also emphasized that the most important thing is always people's integrity: "What may happen in a soccer match becomes secondary when what happened in the stadium occurred. We made a big difference because from the first minute we cared about the fans' health," he said.
In that regard, he valued the club's role in supporting those affected: "We are aware of what is happening with all the fans. We've been in contact with their families and have taken responsibility for some situations. The club stepped up from the first minute, visiting police stations and hospitals that night. When I say 'we are all U,' it's because we've proven it," he highlighted.
Regarding the sporting aspect, Díaz clarified that the squad doesn't feel qualified: "I prefer to think that the decision will be made by CONMEBOL and whatever it is will be fine. Sportingly, we were better and winning the tie, but unfortunately we couldn't finish the match," he expressed.
The match at the Libertadores de América had ended 1-1 before being canceled due to serious incidents among fans, a result that gave the Chilean team qualification thanks to their home win in the first leg by 1-0. Now the South American body will decide which team will advance to the quarterfinals to face Alianza Lima from Peru.
Meanwhile, he also revealed that there was no communication with Rojo's players: "We haven't spoken to anyone from Independiente. We saw posts from some of their footballers, especially the Chileans who are there, who talk about people's health and well-being. It's contradictory coming from the same club," he remarked.
The words of the experienced midfielder reflect the tension and uncertainty left by a match marked more by violence than by soccer, and whose future now depends on the decision to be made in Luque.
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